Freedom School Partners said the bank foundation's money represents one of the largest gifts it has received. The organization was launched in 2004 as a summer literacy program for children in the area of the now-demolished Piedmont Courts public housing complex. This summer, it grew to 10 sites and helped 600 at-risk children, officials said.
Its plan next summer is to serve 1,000 children at up to 16 sites, and the bank donation will help by strengthening the organization's ability to grow, McPherson said.